Our take on: Bedside manner equality

September 10, 2011

Bedside manner

Together in life, separated at the hospital bedside. That galling reality long has been a tough pill to swallow for same-sex partners who've often discovered their choice in mates somehow abrogated their visitation rights.

New federal guidelines issued this week, however, should help retire that coldhearted practice.

Under the new guidelines, hospitals can't block gay and lesbian partners and unwed couples from visiting their companions unless there's medical cause. Mates can't be forced to document their relationship. And hospitals can't bar domestic partners from serving as decision-makers in cases where the patient is incapacitated. The changes flow from the domestic partner rights expansion President Obama directed last year in response to a New York Times article. It chronicled the shabby treatment of a Miami lesbian who was barred from her partner's deathbed even after producing her power of attorney.

Now, hospitals that discriminate against same-sex or unwed couples could forfeit the right to treat Medicare patients. Good.

Still, the guidelines are far from a wonder drug. Because Florida doesn't recognize civil unions, domestic partners may still need to document their health-care surrogates and power of attorney.

Nevertheless, the changes provide a welcome shot in the arm for fairness. And comfort for couples who know that a loved one's bedside presence often is the best medicine.